Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is the expenditure report. It is not terribly glossy, but it is full of useful information. The way that the distribution analysis is presented is there is the 2022 impact and then, separately, the 2023 impact. The Deputy is asking to strip out the 2023 measures that are cost-of-living related, such as the €400 energy credits that will apply next year, the continued reduction of VAT on utility bills, excise reduction and the continued reduction in public transport fares. I will provide that analysis to the Deputy. We have nothing whatsoever to hide. The overall conclusion of the ESRI was clear: "One-off measures announced [in the budget] will insulate most households from rising prices this winter." It does, of course, go on to talk about the following winter. That is a year away and we do not know what will happen in the intervening 12 months. The ESRI also stated:

Our research shows the government’s approach to insulating households from the recent rise in energy prices has been effective. Targeted welfare measures combined with universal household energy credits will do more for most lower income households this winter than had welfare payment rates risen in line with inflation both this year and next.

I regard that as its central conclusion. However, the Deputy makes a fair point. We do not know what will happen in 12 months’ time. However, this budget is first and foremost about helping people in the coming months and through 2023 insofar as we can foresee how that will that develop at this point.

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